Bloom

I had lunch with a mentor today and gleamed this ...

Trust that grows in the soil of the Promises of God diminishes the weeds of fear, guilt, and anxiety and produces flowers of hope and confidence. When hope and confidence start to bloom, the Spirit of Christ in us has become a reality.

Matt Papa's provoking 'Difference'

in a vein similar to Derek Webb, Matt Papa's preaches via song in his provoking 'Where is the difference'. Full of scripture, full of conviction... it's a song that causes one to search within. Matt Papa has something to say, and I'd challenge you to listen to his cd. Get beyond the first few songs, the best stuff is in the middle and end.
One of the best 'messages' I've heard in some time, this is a great cd.

How Long? Psalm 13

How long Oh Lord? We've probably all asked this question at one point or another.
David asks it 4 times in 2 verses. In difficult times it's easy to wrestle with our thoughts, to allow sorrow to overwhelm our hearts, to feel forgotten.

BUT - David lists 4 things starting in verse 5
1) Trust in His unfailing love - he still loves you despite your circumstance.
2) Rejoice in the salvation that comes through the Lord - he is the one who saves.
3) Sing to the Lord - despite how you feel, sing!! it will lift your spirits.
4) Remember that he has been good to you. We are prone to forget. Think back to those sweet times. It will help you get through the present.

The political season

Well I'm back.

This past election really wore me out. And contrary to all the CRUM signs about St. Augustine I was not running for the city Commission. It's interesting to look at the Bible and how Jesus dealt with politics. Jesus had compassion on all people. From the rich tax collector to the poor leper. He met with Nicodemus at night he spoke with 1000's during the day. He preached that we should 'turn the other cheek' while also calling the Pharisees a 'brood of vipers'. Jesus is our model.

When believers get nasty over politics, which is easy to do, Jesus rarely gets the glory. There were all types of religious and political sects in Jesus' day. They all had there pet issues and causes. Jesus ultimately was more interested in people. He was supremely compassionate. Jesus ran into all kinds of people whom he would have had differences with: the Samaritan woman, the demoniac, the woman caught in the act... He balances the truth with his overwhelming love. He was about restoring lives, saving souls, healing his children.

If we need something to be passionate about, lets start with loving people like Jesus did. And despite how the election went for you, we are mandated to pray for all those in government positions of authority. that's my 2 cents

I am Yours

Cool video done with white gloves and a black light.

FAY

Fay reminds us that we are not in control. That there are things bigger than us. That as much as we try to resist, some things just force themselves into our world.

Fay could have been much worse. A trip to the ocean yesterday left me in awe at the power of the wind and waves. It humbled me to think of God's power. His majesty and greatness. Our God is BIG!

Fireproof Movie

I've seen the trailer for this and it looks like it will be a great movie.

Hillsong Conference opening

There seems to be a ton of videos flooding youtube from the Hillsong 2008 conference.
I love how they do the opening here with the lights and scripture. Very cool.

Steven Curtis and Smitty in good ole St. Auggie

Michael W. Smith
Stepehen Curtis Chapman

November 8th
Onsale August 8th 5pm

The 2 most popular names in contemporary Christian music are uniting for one night at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Gates 6pm, Show 7:30 Tickets 39.50-. $65

New Songs

Chris Tomlin has a new song out called Jesus Messiah.

Lincoln Brewster's new one 'Today is the day' is catchy.

The new Hillsong cd is also arriving.

Love the new tunes!

Hillsong Worship leader Jill McCloghry shares her story

How precious you are to us! Love & prayers go out from your Anastasia church family.

Saddleback blogs and info.

Jeremy D. and I just got back from Saddleback's worship conference. A great week.

Here's a link for the conference blog and other info.
http://worshipconferenceblog.blogspot.com/

http://steveeller.com/

Bye Bye CCM Magazine

For years CCM was the source for Contemporary Christian Music news and concert information.
It started way back in the early days of M.W. Smith and Amy Grant. Maybe a sign of the times, the storied magazine is no more. Things were already tough for new artists. The digital revolution has certainly hit the entire industry hard. Regardless, for info. you now go to the website http://www.ccmmagazine.com/ The upside-- it'll save some trees.

Brandon & Jamie's Wedding

Celebrations Awakening

Up the road in Jax. Celebration church has just put out their new cd Awakening.
It's got some good songs on it and was produced by pal Lu Rubino.

It's my desire, a track on the album, is great.

Check it out.

Collide - a good magazine for church media ideas

Click the cover for the site.

One World, One Dream

Done by Allie for the Olympics, but with wider meaning for the Church. For more info.
http://www.artjunction.org/olympic_atcs2.php

Bleeding Love

The new hit song (#1 Itunes) by Leona Lewis has a really fantastic lyric.

But I don’t care what they say I’m in love with you
They try to pull me away But they don’t know the truth
My heart’s crippled by the vein That I keep on closing
You cut me open and I

Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
I keep bleeding
I keep, keep bleeding love
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
You cut me open 

When I think about this, I naturally think of Jesus bleeding love on the cross. And it was our sin that cut him open. Yet, it is interesting to think that sometimes through life's trials, we are cut open and it is there that our hearts depth is revealed. Do we bleed love?

Link

Hey All,

Here's the link to the worship planning software we are testing.

www.planningcenteronline.com

bc

The prayer of st. gregory

I heard this song today and it struck me with it's beauty. This is the best version I could find on Youtube. It's best just to turn the monitor off or close your eyes. A great song for meditation and prayer.